Health Topics

Health topics

Browse topics to help you live your best life.

Genetic Testing

Genetic testing examines your DNA — the chemical database that carries instructions for your body's functions — to reveal changes or alterations in your genes that may cause illness or disease.

Hometown Health Blog

Genetic screening reveals surprising condition

Tammy LeDoux wasn't sure what to expect when she volunteered for a genetic testing study. The results revealed a surprising condition that led her to take preventive action for her health.

April 17, 2024

Understanding carrier screening for family planning

Approximately 80% of children who develop a genetic disorder have no family history of the condition. Carrier screening can identify genetic conditions that may be passed on through genes of the parents.

Rebecca Jirik, CGC By Rebecca Jirik June 23, 2023

Genetic testing gives insight into cardiac conditions

Inherited genetic mutations can predispose you to develop certain cardiac conditions. Identifying genetic variants that increase the risk of these diseases allows you to make informed health choices.

Rachel Simon By Rachel Keppers April 20, 2023

Short journey for quicker breast cancer care

Time is of the essence with breast cancer, and Gail Raddatz didn’t want to wait. This avid traveler had no issue with a journey across town to get the care she needed right away.

October 18, 2022

9 common questions about genetic testing for cancer

Genes act like an instruction manual for your body. Genetic testing can tell if you have an increased risk for developing certain conditions like cancer. Get answers to common testing questions.

Breanna Mitchell, M.S. By Breanna Mitchell July 25, 2022

Genetic counseling for family planning, pregnancy

Have you considered how family health history may affect future generations? Find out options for learning details about your baby's health with a genetic counselor.

Rachel Simon By Rachel Keppers October 27, 2021

Know your numbers: Family health history

Genes play a role in your health. Understanding your family's heart and health history is key to understanding your risk of heart disease. Find out which relatives you should talk to about family health history.

February 23, 2021

Knowing and recording your family health history

Here's an idea for your next virtual family reunion: Discuss family health history. The information can help you know if you may have an increased risk for a specific health condition. Here's how to get started.

April 25, 2020

Genetic counseling helps woman, family make informed health decisions

Knowledge is power. That's Rose Boettcher's philosophy. Genetic counseling helped this three-time cancer survivor make decisions about her health care. Her test results also have inspired her to advocate for her family's health and well-being.

February 13, 2020

Overcoming a genetic disorder, shyness and finding her place

Taylor Sturtz, a Project Search graduate, shares how she is handling a rare genetic disorder, overcoming shyness and finding her place.

October 17, 2019

Family history awareness leads to preventive surgery

Yvonne Rands did her research and chose to have a hysterectomy, double mastectomy and breast reconstruction enabling her to continue her life journey as healthy as possible.

October 22, 2013